Designer Watch:

I am salivating.... not over pasta, or Brad Pitt, but over the delectable designs by Jeweler extraordinaire Karen Karch. I stumbled upon this amazing designer accidentally while surfing the web for inspiration. I am especially fond of her rose gold and black diamond with black onyx collection. Tempting yes, high price tag, YES, worth it? DOUBLE YES! Ok, even though it IS worth it, and god knows I would spend the money if I weren't being a recessionista, I can get the look (AKA GORGOUS rock star quality baubles that says in your FACE jewelry). Here are some great items that I love  that will rock you out without rocking the budget... boys, pay attention...Valentines day is JUST around the corner!

1. Glossy Onyx Ring, by LaDeeDaJewelry $17.50
2. Black and Gold Four Leaf Clover Enamel Necklace, by NYLightMetals $38.00
3. Onyx Crop Circle Earrings, by designstudio504 $12.00
4. Crush, by SASessories $29.00
5. Black Silk Organza Headband, by Summerblossom $17.00
6. Acrylic Inverted Diamond Ring, by Plastique $10.00

NY Fashion Week

2 weeks and 3 days until the amazing NY fashion week!

I am amazing

I did a little crafting tonight, and I just wanted to share with you my new creations!....I am soooo excited.. I love this idea. Sorry, I would share my "how to" but unfortunately I'm selling these items in my jewelry line and the last thing I need is someone ripping me off. BUT, if you would like to PURCHASE one of these items, please go to my ETSY store. If you say you saw this on my blog under the comments to the seller during purchase, I will give you 20% off of your order, just email me before paying so I can adjust the price for you! Thanks my savvy crafty readers!

Metallics!

Metallic's are right on the money right now! I love everything from silvery pewter, to bronze, to platinum! A great way to add some shine to your wardrobe is adding metallic bangles. Big chunky bangles such as those made by Kenneth Jay Lane can run you up in the $100's. But read on my dear fashionista's, and I'll show you how to make your own metallic bangles by either up-cycling your old jewelry, or crafting them from scratch using a gold/metallic leafing technique!

Here is your list of materials:

• New or used wooden/plastic bangle(s). Can be purchased here (under $6.00!).
  
• Metal Leaf- Comes in gold leaf, silver leaf, bronze leaf, copper leaf, multi-metal leaf. This can be purchased at your local craft store or online.
  
• Leafing Adhesive
• Leafing sealer/polyurethane
• wood primer
• soft paint brush(s)

Directions:

1. Prime your surface with any kind of primer. I like to use spray primer. Spray the primer in even strokes making sure to cover all areas of your bangle.
2. Apply your gold leaf adhesive with either a foam brush or paint brush.
3. Cut your gold leaf into small workable strips if you have a large square of leaf. If you bought the leaf chips, ignore this step.
4. Wait until the adhesive becomes tacky to the touch, not wet and not dry.
5. Carefully drape your bangle in your gold leaf strips (or chips) with your finger or with a soft dry brush.
6. Once entire bangle is covered, take your soft dry brush and smooth the gold leaf down to ensure adhesion. 
7. Finally, seal your creation with gold leaf sealer or polyurethane and your set. Go diva!

Trend: Snakeskin

Snakeskin is a huge trend for spring. From bangles, to skirts, to shoes, all of the designers were getting on the wild side! Anyone that knows me knows I am slightly partial to anything that was once living (don't get mad PETA). I love animals and all, but I love the way they look on me as well! I frolick in furs, stomp the around the lower east side in leather, I go to work in gator. I relish in all things animal, and so should you, you fashion savvy reader! Now I know what you're thinking and you are right. Yes, things of this nature can get pricey. But you know I wouldn't leave you empty handed kind readers! Here are some fabulous finds to let your inner wild child come out. Welcome to the jungle baby!

1. Natural Snakeskin Bangle Bracelet, by UNEARTHED
2. Pink Snakeskin Clutch, by individualobjects
3. 14 K Gold Snake Ring, by JewlerJim
4. Baby Snake Necklace by Michellechangjewelry
5. Nine and Co. Faux snakeskin cluth, from Kohls
6. Jessica Simpson Peep Toe Flap, from endless.com
7. Snakeskin Top, from Forever 21
8. Leather Snakeskin belt, from Yoox.com
9. Snakeskin Hobo, from Express

NY Fashion Week

Ok guys, so the schedule for NYC fashion week is up... here's what we're looking like:

Friday, feb 13, 2009

10 AM: The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2009

tent

11 AM: Yigal Azrouel

Promenade

1 PM: Duckie Brown

Salon

2 PM: Charlotte Ronson

Promenade

3 PM: BCBGMAXAZARIA

Tent

6 PM: Nicole Miller

Salon

7 PM: This Day/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009

Promenade

9 PM: Venexiana

Salon

Saturday February 14, 2009

10 AM: Lacoste

Tent

11 AM: Georges Chakra

Promenade

1 PM: Andy & Debb

Salon

2 PM: ADAM

Promenade

3 PM: Barbie Runway Show

Tent

6 PM: Verrier

Salon

7 PM: Monarchy Collection

Promenade

Sunday February 15, 2009

10  AM: Lela Rose

Salon

11 AM: Mara Hoffman/Nicholas K/Sergio Davila

Promenade

1 PM: DKNY

711 Greenwich St

2 PM: Herve Leger by Max Azria

Promenade

3 PM: THUY

Salon

3 PM: Calvin Klein Men's Collection

205 W 39th St

4 PM: Diane Von Furstenberg

Tent

5 PM: Y-3

TBA

6 PM: Akiko Ogawa

Salon

8 PM: Miss Sixty

Tent

Monday February 16, 2009

9 AM: Farah Angsana

Salon

10 AM: Carolina Herrera

Tent

11 AM: Carlos Miele

Promenade

12 PM: Jill Stuart

TBA

1 PM: Tracy Reese

Salon

2 PM: Donna Karan New York

711 Greenwich St.

4 PM: Yeohlee

TBA

5 PM: Tony Cohen

Salon

6 PM: Terexov

Promenade

7 PM: William Rast

Tent

Tuesday February 17th, 2009

9 AM: Cynthia Steffe

Salon

10 AM: Badgley Mischka

Tent

11 AM: Matthew Williamson

Promenade

1 PM: Pamella Roland

Salon

2 PM: Diesel Black Gold

Tent

3 PM: Dennis Basso

Promenade

5 PM: Chocheng

Salon

6 PM: Max Azria

Tent

8 PM: Domenico Vacca

Salon

Wednesday February 18, 2009

9 AM: J. Mendel

Salon

10 AM: Nanette Lepore

Promenade

11 AM: Michael Kors

Tent

12 PM: Richard Chai

Salon

3 PM: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Tent

4 PM: Alexandre Herchcovitch

Salon

6 PM: Milly by Michelle Smith

Promenade

7 PM: Anna Sui

Tent

Thursday February 19, 2009

10 AM: Tommy Hilfiger

Tent

11 AM: Brian Reyes

Promenade

1 PM: Rebecca Taylor

Salon

3 PM: Ports 1961

Promenade

4 PM: Calvin Klein Woman's Collection

205 W. 39th St

6 PM: Christian Siriano

Salon

7 PM: Custo Barcelona

Promenade

8 PM: Zac Posen

Tent

Friday February 20, 200

9 AM: Project Runway

Tent

10 AM: Ralph Lauren

275 Hudson St.

11 AM: Ralph Lauren

275 Hudson St.

12 PM: Tadashi Shoji

Salon

And there you have it !

DIY High end designer jacket

The perfect little jacket is essential to completing an outfit. You can wear something as simple as jeans and a white tee, but combine it with a nice jacket and "presto!" you look like a million designer dollars! Ok, so the jacket part... I love the cute cropped Chanel jackets. They are timeless classics, they are in style for life, and will also set you back a few, errr a lot of bucks. But no need to fear, the Haute Craftour is here! This little project is a fast and simple way to get a designer jacket look. This can also be applied to skirts, accessories, etc. Use your imagination, I know you guys are crafty!

I love this little cropped jacket from Delia's, only 19.99! This is your starting point. Now to get the look of a high end designer cropped jacket, all you have to do is add some grosgrain ribbon trim, and switch out the buttons! Here's what you'll need:

1. Buy a great contrasting ribbon. White with black always looks so chic. You can buy tons of ribbon at M&J Trimming.
   
2. You'll either need fabric glue or needle and thread/sewing machine. If you aren't the best sewer in the world, no worries! That's why we have glue! If you want to go the glue route, magna-tac is the best fabric glue out there.
3. Gold rimmed buttons. You can also find these at M&J Trimming, or you could use great vintage buttons. I really like this button.

Now that you have your supplies, you are ready to go! Start out by figuring out where you want your ribbon to go. The best places to put it is along the center front opening of the jacket, along the neckline and or collar, and across the pockets.  If you are gluing the ribbon down, put small dots going down the ribbon, and press down on the fabric firmly when applying. Make sure that you burn the edges of the ribbon when you cut it so that it doesn't ravel on the end. If you are sewing the ribbon down, edge stitch each side of the ribbon down. Make sure you use a smaller needle, because a thicker one will puncture  a hole in the ribbon. 

Once your have your ribbon on, you can take off the ugly plastic buttons and upgrade your jacket with nice metal ones. Gold is very trendy right now, and really adds to the designer look of a jacket.

Now it's time to strut your stuff. As posh says, this look is MAJOR!

EtsY Seller of the Week

This weeks featured Etsy seller is Stylesmith! This store is so awesome! Stylesmith makes "pretty, whimsical and elegant accessories for the fabulous consumer." I love the hats that she makes. They are inspired by vintage silhouettes, but made completely new and unexpected in funky prints, fabrics, cut outs, and feathers! I love the theatricality of it all. Her jewelry is also very vintage in feel, very sweet quaint and romantic... perfect for Valentines day! Check her website out, stylesmith. She also writes a pretty cool blog, www.stylesmith.blogspot.com. Check her out... immediately if not sooner!

NY Fashion Week

NY Fashion Week is exactly in uno mes muchacha's! But big news on the street, apparently the economy is hitting designers under the belt! The word is that fashion giants Betsey Johnson, Vera Wang, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Alice Temperly are all pulling out of this years fashion week, and many more are expected to follow.  

Vera commented to WWD, "It seems relevant today. I don't want to seem irrelevant or unaware of what's going on in the rest of the world- not just the fashion world... The intimacy of a smaller show feels much more appropriate for these times. I say that as a business owner, as a designer and as a person."

Oh Vera, so wise. I totally agree with her statement. But Betsey, oh sweet crazy Betsey. I long for pink and zebra print and floral ditsies all mixed together in one dress worn by a model with blood red hair and barbie lips!  What is this WORLD coming to? I LOVE the Betsey show, it's always so entertaining! What about your cartwheel B? It's your SIGNATURE! How DARE you! oh god, i'm gonna need a valium to calm me down over this!

DIY Custom Wear

From Obama tee-shirts to i love new york bumper stickers, you can buy it, design it, or sell it on CafePress.com.  This website lets you create and sell your own designs, photos, and images on a wide variety of customizable products. Even better, you can create a "store" and sell your creations without any upfront costs and zero inventory investment. You simply create your designs, add a mark up to what the product costs, and wait for someone to buy! Once someone buys, the order gets shipped to them and YOU make money! This is perfect for you crafters that have great graphic designs or photo's and want to put them on t-shirts, etc. without spending a fortune. This is also a great way to create custom promotional products if you want to promote your craft business, or Etsy store, or WHATEVER! This website is awesome, and so easy to use! I'll give you the link to my store front once I create one.... I have a lot of work to do tonight!

Buttoned Up!

Do you love hipsters, are a hipster, or just want to look like one... even just for a day?  Well go out to Williamsburg, buy a checkered scarf, and don your buttons! Here's a crafty idea on how to actually make your open pin back buttons! Buttons can be a fun whimsical way to add to an outfit. Wear them on your scarf, shirt, your jacket lapel, your shoe. Put them on your handbag, or on your dog's leash. Click here for the how to video I found on youtube!

This website has all of the materials you will need to do this craft project.

Here is a list of crafty etsy sellers who sell their own pin back buttons:

1. Vintage Taurus Button by revivaljewels
2. Kappa Sushi Pack by berrysprite
3. Where the wild things are buttons by Starrby
4. Pink Japanese Washi Pins by JessiaHime
5. French Text by spaceoddities
6. Made in the 80's button by unresigned
7. Frustration by donnapool
8. This must be what going mad feels like by lizstaley
9. Microphone Button by unresigned
10. I love my polaroid by lolabot

Shoes!

Let it be known to the world that I am a shoe whore! there, I said it. Hi everyone, my name is Kate and I have a shoe addiction. My love for shoes runs deep.... much, much deeper than my wallet. I want to be the devil wearing Prada, and Jimmy Choo, and Manolo, and the big daddy grandfather of them all, Louboutin's. Ahh, the beautiful red sole peeping out as a woman walks down the street excites me more than anything, and sadly also reminds me that my soles are the color of a band-aid and have scuff marks on them. But alas, I have a solution (not for the soles) to get the look of a beautiful designer shoe, for much much MUCH less moolah! And they are called shoe clips! What an obvious answer right? Well maybe, but let me tell you, shoe clips are great and easy to make!

Take these beautiful red heels by Christian Louboutin for example. You can find a similar strappy sandal in any color that you like. I love these dark pink and gold sandals from nine west, only $55.97. Put a feather shoe clip on the end, and you have an EXTREMELY similar look, now for the red sole you are on your own, get creative.

Below is an easy step by step tutorial on how to make your own shoe clips.

1. Buy clip on earring findings, new or vintage. New ones can be purchased here.
2. Next, figure out what you would like to put on your shoe clip. If you would like feathers as the Louboutin shoe, you can get them here.
3. Take your feathers and start gluing them together with any craft glue in the shape of a snowflake one on theop of the other. Gently fan the feathers out and make sure they are somewhat evenly spaced.
4. Now, using a curling iron on a low setting curl them into each other to make the feather "ball". 
5. Take your feather ball, and apply a heavy duty glue to the back. To glue things on metal, I like to use E6000. Ths glue takes a little longer to dry, so be patient when gluing your items on. 
6. Gently press the feather ball to the front of the earring clip, and hold it together for about a minute. 
7. Let this dry and you are ready to go! You could add a button or rhinestone to the center for some fun as well. 

Here are some other shoe clips I found if you don't want to make your own!

1. Rhinestone shoe clips by gurlygirl 
2. Upcycles Shoe Clips by monamivie
3. Ridal Ivory Rose Shoe Clips by floreti
4. Feather Shoe Clips by JustLiv 
5. Peacock Feathe Shoe Clips by Chuletindesigns
6. Bridal Shoe Clips by rmjewelrydesigns
7. Black All a Flutte Shoe Clips by MadameMaxines
8. Crystals and Pearls Shoe Clips by gemmersen

NY Fashion Week

5 weeks and 2 days until NY fashion week!

Chains Away!

Oversized necklaces have been ALL the rage! In my book anything bigger is better, so I was one of the first to fall head over heals in love with this trend. (sorry boyfriend, i've been cheating on you with Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Doo Ri) While I lust over gorgeous creations I can't afford, I schemed up a cute and economical way to get the "look". 

Felting is such an easy way to create things, and you virtually can NOT mess up, it turns out great every time! I'm going to detail out how to make your very own oversized felted chain necklace.

Materials Needed:

Wool (any color(s))

soap and water

tennis ball

bubble wrap

1. Dip the tennis ball in soap
2. Wrap fine layer of wool around the tennis ball. Wet this with soapy water to hold in place.
3. Lay on tiny wisps of wool horizontally in the opposite direction of the wrapped wool. Wet this with soapy water.
4. Repeat step 2, wrapping the wool on top of the 2 layers already created. Try to keep the width uniform all the way around the ball to get the chain look. If you want a more organic shape, have some areas wider than others on the ball.
5. Repeat step 3
6. Repeat step 2
7. Now comes to the felting part. Take the tennis ball and start rolling it back and forth on the bubble wrap. Alternate this with massaging wool with hands. 
8. As the link felts, it will become smaller and tighter.
9. When the link is fully felted and you have achieved the desired look, slip the wool ring off the tennis ball.
10. Gently pull and stretch the felted ring to make an oval shape.
11. Re-dip the tennis ball in soap. Take the ring you have just created, and hold against the tennis ball.
12. Now, Repeat steps 2-10 working around the first felted ring, and making sure that you do not "felt" the 2 together.
13. Continue this process until you have the desired length of chain felted.
14. Once the felting process of the chain is complete, rinse the chain off in water and set to dry.
15. Now, you and your haute craftoured self can go walk the catwalk with your designer felted chain necklace!

Crafting Contest

Every month I am going to hold a crafting contest! Please submit a handmade craft, with a step by step how to. Please include pictures, and a great picture of the final product. The craft chosen will be featured on my website with any links to your store/website, and you will also win one of the products featured on my Etsy store. Submissions can be sent to catherinequintard@gmail.com. Please include your name, email address, and submit any photos as JPEGS. You may also send a link to a video. Deadline is Jan. 22nd. Thanks, and good luck!

Fashion Week Countdown

5 weeks and 3 days until NY fashion week!

Print-tabulous

I came across a GREAT tutorial on how to silkscreen.  To get you started, you can get all of your supplies from Silkscreeningsupplies.com.  Screenprinting is great because you can literally customize anything you want! Below are some great examples of at home screen printing jobs... get inspired!

1. Tote Bags by rainbowswirlz
2. Tee shirt Cassette Tape by sweetbabu
3. Hootin Hood Owl Hoodie by Ahpeele
4. 1AEON burnout v neck by 1AEON
5. Teal Ostrich Raglan Shirt by Recession
6. Shawl Scarf by RokGear
7. Recycle Love Organic Tee by feralgirl
8. Hodgepodge Sheer Jersey Top by otsutree
9. Heart Shirt by Chioflores
10. Booties for Barack by pantyline

NY Fashion Week

It is exactly 5 weeks and 4 days until the superbowl of the fashion world....hello, NYC fashion week. And it is in my opinion the BEST fashion week (of the 2). I LOVE the fall shows....always so much more interesting than spring. It seems that the designers pull out every trick from their bountiful hats, and torment us by making us question ourselves with things like, will I actually wear that next fall? The 80's again? I barely got by 25 years ago without a yeast infection every week from those heinous tights. My favorite is to do a runway re-cap and see how many models stumble/fall, and play it back in slow motion over and over again until my computer battery starts to die and/or my friends no longer think I'm funny. The most annoying question I continuously seem to ask myself after every fashion week, is "Self, why do you suppose every designer loves to knock off last seasons Prada and Balenciaga?" I swear to god, if I see one more Balenciaga wannabe knock off  structured dress waltzing robotically down the runway I will... well, I won't do anything, but it pisses me off. Anywho, every person who loves fashion lives for fashion week. It runs in the blood of New Yorkers... it is our heart and keeps the city alive and moving. I am starting the countdown, officially today. I will update the show schedules as soon as they are posted. Now, I am off to plan on how I'm going to crash the Marc Jacobs show!

Featured Etsy Seller: topsyturvydesign

Something most people find surprising about me (no idea why), is that I am completely obsessed with Britney Spears. I love her new album circus, and the whole costuming theme surrounded by it. I have always been a huge fan of top hats and theatricality, so imagine my surprise and delight when I came across this weeks featured Etsy seller, topsyturvydesign. Words cannot express the amount of love in my superficial heart that I have for this hat! While some not so daring may not want to partake in this wonderful accessory, you can take the idea from it, vintage menswear, tuxedo, circus performer inspired style! Below is a list of items to help you pull off this look.

1. Black Bow Ring by thepuddingstore
2. Tuxedo tutu by frillerup
3. The Corset Ring by loveandhappiness
4. Tuxedo Tube Top  by Lynnsrags
5. Circus Clown Necklace by BittysJewelryAndMore
6. Paperbag Party Dress by BabooshkaBoutique
7. Black and Beige Check by glorioushats
8. Dark Desire Necklace by wiyomu

Geek Chic

Borrow a trend from the celebrities and fashion designers, the "geek chic" look. Geek chic climbed to popularity last year, and has had surprising staying power. If you want to get the look, click below for my list of items that will get you on your geeky way in "know" time! haha...couldn't resist the pun!

1. Batman Tee from Hot Topic, $22.00
2. White Doc Martens from shoebuy.com, $99.95
3. Cardigan from Forever 21, $13.50
4. Geek Glasses from house of sunglasses, $9.99
5. Comic Art Cuff by KatieQ033, $12.00
6. Read Necklace by brookadelphia, $35.00
7. Rocket Alternative Top by rainbowswirlz, $25.00
8. Cell Division Leggings by regeneration, $28.00
9. Robot Tote Bag by malisia, $20.00
10. Proud to be Nerd Pin by polkadotscloud, $21.00

Rockin Chucks

Whats the difference between these two shoes? I'll tell you, one was crafted for around $30.00, the other retails at free people for $168.00. So, Im gonna show you how I made these shoes to look like the expensive designer converse all-stars. It's so easy, and you'll be rockin' out in no time.

First, here is a list of materials you will need for this project:

1. A pair of old converse high tops, or a new pair. Payless has a great cheap alternative for $19.99
2. Buy either silver or gold pyramid studs. You can find them at your local craft store, or at kitkraft.biz

Take your shoes, and starting at the bottom, start piercing the studs through the fabric. It should go in relatively easy. Using tweezers or a thimble, bend the prongs in to eachother to secure the stud to the shoe. Continue this process until you have made one line of studs, and continue building on top of each row completed until you have achieved the desired look. I didn't want to completely cover my shoes, so I decided to make somewhat of a brick pattern, and stopped the rows randomly. You really can't go wrong in this, and afterwards you will have totally kick-ass shoes that you will get TONS of compliments on!

If you totally dig the rocker star studded look as much as I do, here's some links to more items found on Etsy that you might enjoy!

1. Pyramid Stud Earrings by michellechangjewelry
2. Leather Cuff by greenbelts
3. Silver Purse with Chunky pyramid studs by peppermintdesigns
4. Chic Gold Pyramid Stud belt by sexandthecityluva
5. Neon Knuckle Ring by MelissaLoschy
6. Rock Star Cuff by KatieQ033

Plastique Fantastique!

I am in LOVE with this gorgeous coated Graffiti bag from Marc Jacobs. This bag is practically sold out in every store right now, and it is a little pricey. So, I'm going to give you a link to show you how you can make your own plastic version by fusing plastic bags together. To get a cool graffiti print like the Marc bag, you can either get spray paint/marker, or you can design a print using photoshop or illustrator and print your designs on waterslip transfer paper. Here's where you can get the paper! Here is a pattern and step by step how to for you to make your newly fused plastic fabric into an amazing tote. Below are some great items using the plastic bag fusing method! Check em out, they are cheap and AWESOME. The possibilities endless.

1. Twizzlers Bag by RadicalRecycks
   
2. Plastique Mini Clutch no. 1001 by Ricci Briganti
3. Eco Pouch in Tan by SoSheSews
4. NY Times Zippy Pouch by MahkaCrafts
5. Sassy Black Clutch by fiercepizza
6. Medium Recycled Plastic Purse by yumstietree

Play Betty Homemaker

I have recently seen a huge surge in baking, cooking, AND wearing aprons! These aren't your grandmothers apron, these are cute and chic. I've even been seeing people wear them out on the street over jeans, skirts, and dresses. Here is a link to show you how to make your own! The book A is for Apron by Nathalie Mornu a great book full of inspirational ideas for making your own aprons, and has clear and concise instructions so that even the novice crafter can get involved!